§ Mr. Houghtonasked the Secretary of State for War what representations he has received from the Society of Civil Servants for the replacement of senior military personnel in his Department by experienced civil servants; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe Society of Civil Servants has submitted a Memorandum of Evidence on this subject to the Nye Committee which is examining the organisation of the War Office. The terms of reference of this Committee, which I announced in the House on 18th December, 1962, include the examination of the practicability of making more senior positions in the War Office open to civilians. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment on the Society's memorandum until the Committee has reported.